Victor W. Von Hagen, in The Four Seasons of Manuela, presents much compelling evidence that Manuela Saenz played a significant role in both the life of Simon Bolivar and, both directly and indirectly, in the unfolding history of South America. This study will support that argument, focusing primarily on Von Hagen's portrayal of Saenz from the point at which she first met Bolivar.
This is not to say that the successes of Bolivar would not have occurred, or that South American history would have been significantly altered, had Manuela not been a revolutionary and lover of Bolivar. It is to say that Manuela was vital to Bolivar as man and leader, and that she was one of many strong-hearted, dedicated individuals who played a part in the long struggle for freedom in South America.
The book provides a number of sources for its information, and quotes extensively from those sources, although the references are not footnoted. The book is largely a popularized and even romanticized portrait of Saenz and her personal and political relationship with Bolivar.
The reader would benefit from keeping in mind the popular nature of this biography and the minimal use of footnoted references. In other words, only by reading a number of other books on Saenz, and on Saenz and Bolivar, can we begin to assess the accuracy and interpretation of their lives as portrayed by Von Hagen.
However, if Von Hagen is correct, then Saenz is truly an exceptional woman who can stand alone as a figure of significance in the history of South America. She is not merely standing in the historical shadow of Bolivar, but instead teamed with him as two powerful individuals working for a single purpose. Von Hagen even makes it clear that Saenz was deep into political action long before she became personally involved with Bolivar as lover and confidante.
Saenz was a member of the upper echelons of society as the wife of a shipping magnate in Peru. However, s...